LEGISLATIVE SCENARIOS — In anticipation of a Biden immigration bill rollout next week, Democrats are working towards "a targeted effort to pass popular immigration bills that already have bipartisan backing, including legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented group known as Dreamers and immigrants from war-torn areas," report Heather Caygle, Sarah Ferris and Laura Barrón-López for POLITICO Pro [paywall]. Facing an April deadline and close margins in both chambers, the question remains whether Democrats should take a piecemeal approach or "one big swing." Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-California) told POLITICO: "My motto is, get something done. Whatever we do, we can't walk away empty-handed. … Does it mean a big immigration reform package? Maybe. Does it mean using budget reconciliation? Possibly. Or does it mean individual bills? Could be." 

VISA BAN — The employment-based visa ban President Trump issued last April and expanded in June remains in place, causing serious concern for businesses, reports Michelle Hackman at The Wall Street Journal. The ban blocks not only workers in an array of industries, but also most family members of U.S. citizens who are looking to immigrate.  While Biden has signed several immigration orders reversing Trump-era bans, he has yet to mention the ban on legal immigration, notes Hackman. Last Friday, more than 100 trade associations and advocacy organizations sent a letter to President Biden urging a reversal of the ban.  

CYCLE OF MIGRATION — Thousands of Honduran families are caught in a cycle of migration amid multiple driving forces, María Verza writes for the Associated Press. Since Hurricane Eta flooded their home in November, Nory Yamileth Hernández and her three teenage children have been living on the outskirts of San Pedro Sula in a battered tent under a bridge. Hernández turned back after joining the first big migrant caravan heading to Mexico back in October 2018, "[a]nd when the first migrant caravan of the year shuffled by in January, only fear and empty pockets kept them from joining Honduras’ growing exodus. ... She’s sure she will try again soon." Nory’s experience represents the vicious cycle Hondurans face, notes Dana Graber Ladek, head of the International Organization for Migration office in Mexico: "They’re suffering poverty, violence, the hurricanes, unemployment, domestic violence, and with that dream of a new (U.S.) administration, of new opportunities, they’re going to try (to migrate) again and again."  

AUNTIE SAHEEDA — For nearly three years, Saheeda Nadeem — known as Auntie Saheeda to many — took refuge at
a church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, writes John Tunison for MLive Michigan. Nadeem, who fled Pakistan 40 years ago to work in Kuwait, came to the U.S. 13 years ago on a non-immigrant visa "in hopes of finding a better life for her two elementary-aged children." But after overstaying her visa, a judge ordered her removal in 2010 — a decision that was upheld following two appeals, leading Nadeem to seek sanctuary at the church. "But with changes to immigration enforcement under President Biden, Nadeem "was placed under an ‘Order of Supervision’ that allows her to leave the church property and go on with daily life in the greater Kalamazoo community." In a video posted on Facebook, Nadeem thanked her community: "Today, I have freedom. I want to express my thanks." 

FOOD HUB — Originally a bar consulting agency, Va’La Hospitality has converted to a hub for No Us Without You, a small non-profit providing food security to undocumented restaurant workers hit hard by the pandemic, reports Jean Trinh of The Washington Post. Va’La co-owners Damián Diaz and Othón Nolasco founded No Us Without You after Los Angeles issued its first stay-at-home order back in March, and the organization now provides fresh produce and dry goods for 7,500 people each week and has extended its services to mariachi performers, day laborers and street vendors. Trinh notes that in 2014, Pew Research Center estimated that 
undocumented workers made up 10% of the U.S. restaurant and bar industry. 

IMPOSSIBLE TO SUMMARIZE — In a beautiful longform piece for NPR, Anastasia Tsioulcas tells the story of Kayhan Kalhor, an acclaimed performer and composer in Iran, detailing his music career and immigration battle. It is just too wonderful a piece — interspersed with music from Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble — to do justice by summarizing. Take the time to read, watch and listen.